Saturday May 26th 2012 - 60 Years - A Diamond Jubilee Celebration The Charities We Are Supporting

Bath Mind is a local, independent charity affiliated to Mind, working towards a better life for people diagnosed, labelled and treated as mentally ill.

Paid staff work with volunteers to deliver services, including supported living for individuals with mental health needs. The advocate team empowers individuals to make their voices heard when problems arise, or decisions affecting their lives are made. Community outreach services, including an eco-gardening project and a social drop-in for individuals from minority ethnic backgrounds, provide opportunities for activity, combating the loneliness and isolation that so often accompany mental distress.

Clean Slate Training & Employment in Bath is a not-for-profit enterprise creating opportunities for people facing barriers to employment. They help people with a history of homelessness, offending and mental ill-health and young people who have never been employed as well as other long-term unemployed people. Job seekers focus on what they have to offer, grow in confidence and raise their aspirations. They launched in Bath after a generous donation from the Easter congregation at Bath Abbey in 2010.

The paid work they create is through employers who use Clean Slate like a temp agency. They offer small-scale paid work helping people to realise their potential in a real work setting.

Focus Counselling in Bath was founded in 1999 by Jan Robertson and Revd. Martin Lloyd Williams to enable all those in need to access counselling.

At least 65 clients come through their doors each week plus members of the Eating Disorder Support Group and people wanting to know more about their services.

The fifteen members of staff work with clients from the age of four upwards. Focus Counselling deal with many issues including abuse, relationship issues, depression, bullying, drug and alcohol abuse, bereavement, neglect, low self esteem and anger.

A local mental health advocate recently said: “Focus is now the most significant Counselling Agency in Bath”

www.focusbath.com

The Genesis Trust helps the homeless and vulnerable in Bath.

Working in partnership with local churches and over 500 volunteers from the city, it runs nine projects, putting “compassion into action”. These projects provide ongoing support such as The Lifeline Centre, a daily drop-in centre and Life Skills courses to boost new skills and confidence.

The Wood Works provides furniture restoration training to the long-term unemployed and furniture project sells donated furniture to those on low incomes. Genesis also coordinates Bath Street Pastors and Foodbank as well as other food projects as Soup Run, Sunday Centre and Lunch Box.

The Young Carers Service is run by the Charity “Off The Record.” It supports young people aged 18 and under living in Bath and North East Somerset. These children help to look after someone in their family who has an illness, disability, drug/alcohol addiction or mental health condition.

In 2011 Off the Record worked with 202 Young Carers to provide a total of 1068 respite opportunities. It also provided one to one support, information and signposting, and individual financial awards to assist with one off costs for equipment. Off The Record also provided information packs to professionals who may work with young carers and their family’s, to ensure a more holistic understanding of their needs.

“When the chips are down, young carers benefit from recognition, support and care, which is why the Young Carers Service is so valuable.” Jim Cronin – Chair Friends of young Carers (January 2012)

Project 28 is a local charity that works to improve health and well being amongst young people who are disadvantaged and have poor life outcomes because of their substance misuse.

Young people experience mental health, poverty or violence in their communities and also within their home life. Project 28 provides a wealth of services these include one to one counselling, open access, family therapy, music project, diversionary activities, and outreach working with schools and colleges.

First and foremost Project 28 provides a safe place for children and young people to come to in order for them to develop.For details call: 01225 463344